If you want to become a better photographer and create better photographs, the first step is getting to know your camera and learning how to work your camera thoughtfully.
Modern cameras, especially a DSLR, can be confusing and intimidating to use because…
- There are a lot of buttons and dials…
- There is a a lot of information provided in the displays…
Cameras aren’t only cameras anymore, they’re also computers…
- You not only need to learn to work your “camera”…
- You also need to learn to work the “operating system” that your camera uses…
- The good news is that the basics of photography and how a camera works have not changed…
- The not so good news is that the technology that has been brought into the camera can be confusing and is not consistent from camera to camera…
Regardless of the type of camera that you have, to make photography (and your camera) more understandable you’ve got to…
- Learn what a camera does (all cameras basically do the same thing)…
- Once you know what a camera does, you now need to learn how the operating system of your camera performs basic camera functions…
Ashley says: “I really enjoyed the attention to detail during the class. It was a great starter class to learning how to work YOUR camera. I enjoyed the small class size which allowed for a lot of personal attention. It didn’t matter that everyone had a different camera because each person got the necessary attention to learn how to change everything on their camera.”
Once you’ve cut through all the confusion…
- You will know what your camera does and how it does it…
- You can concentrate on making better photographs…
- You can begin to utilize your camera to its fullest potential…
- You will have a good understanding of how your camera works…
- You can begin to rely more on your mind, instead of your camera, to make a photograph…
Course Description
This hands-on, three-hour workshop is intended to introduce basic photographic principals that will allow the participant to understand how their camera works. Aperture, shutter speed, light sensitivity (ISO/ASA), lenses, focusing modes, camera metering and automatic vs. manual exposure settings will be explained and related to the participant’s camera. By the time the class is over you will know the capabilities of your camera and you’ll be creating more thoughtfully composed photographs.
- 1 meeting, 3 hours
- Limited to 8 participants
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If you’d like to learn to work your camera in “manual exposure” mode please consider the four-week Introduction To Photography class.
You’ll learn about…
- Basic camera operations….
- Working in automatic mode vs. manual mode…
- Exposure…
- Focusing…
- Metering…
- and more…
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If you’d like to learn to work your camera in “manual exposure” mode please consider the four-week Introduction To Photography class.
Heather says: “I was so excited that in 3 hours I was able to use my camera on manual mode. I now know about lighting, metering, aperture and shutter speed. I was amazed at how much you were able to pack into 3 hours.”
You Should Take This Class If You Want To…
- Understand how your camera works…
- Make better pictures…
- Learn about focusing modes…
- Learn about metering patterns and modes…
- Understand the basics of photography…
- Begin to create thoughtfully composed photographs…
- Start to learn to work your camera to its fullest potential…
- Start to rely on your mind, instead of your camera, to make your photograph…
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If you’d like to learn to work your camera in “manual exposure” mode please consider the four-week Introduction To Photography class.
Prerequisites
- A camera that allows you to pick exposure modes…
- You’ll need to bring the “full version” of your camera owners manual to class…
Nellie says: “Sam is able to explain the basics of photography, cameras and light in a way that is so much less complicated than beginners photography books. He’s a great teacher.”
Getting To Know Your Camera – Student Comments
Important Notices
- Please bring something to take notes with to class.
- If you are registering for this class on the day that it is scheduled, you must bring a copy of your receipt as your proof of payment in order to be admitted.
- By registering for this class I agree to the Registration Terms And Conditions.
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If you’d like to learn to work your camera in “manual exposure” mode please consider the four-week Introduction To Photography class.
Class Meeting Location
Depending on the time and day the class is scheduled, classes meet at one of two locations in the Chinatown area of Washington, DC. If you have any questions about the meeting location of a specific class that is scheduled please contact Sam ( https://samdamico.com/contact-sam/ ) with the class name and specific schedule.
- Here’s a link for more information about meeting locations–>https://samdamico.com/getting-to-the-classes/
Upcoming Classes, Price And Registration
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If you’d like to learn to work your camera in “manual exposure” mode please consider the four week Introduction To Photography class.
Hi Sam,
Will you be offering this class in July? A friend and I would like to sign up!
Thanks!
Hi Sima,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
Yes. I will. As usual I’ve fallen behind on scheduling.
You can check the page for updates. https://samdamico.com/know-camera-photo-class/ (I’ll do my best to have an updated schedule up by early next week.)
You can also get on my email list. You’ll get a weekly email from me that includes a link to upcoming classes and a digest of photography related blog posts that I made during the previous week. I recently made a couple of online courses and I’ve made those available to the photographers on my email list.
If you’re interested here’s the link to subscribe. —> https://samdamico.com/get-on-sams-e-mail-list/
If you have any further questions, please let me know. You can call, too. 202-531-2344
Hi there— will there be more classes later in March?
Thanks!
Hello Miriam,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
In terms of the Getting To Know Your Camera class, At this moment I can’t be sure if there’ll be more classes scheduled at the end of March.
There will definitely be more scheduled for April, May and June.
If you’d like weekly reminders about the schedule of upcoming photography classes, please consider getting on my e-mail list. https://samdamico.com/get-on-sams-e-mail-list/
If you have any questions, please give me a call at 202-531-2344.
What is your spring schedule? Very much looking forward to taking your course later in March or April.
Hello Kristina,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
I’ll be scheduling classes for April through June within the next week or two.
If you’d like to be notified of a schedule of classes, please subscribe to my e-mail list. —> https://samdamico.com/get-on-sams-e-mail-list/
If you have any question please feel feel to call; me at 202-531-2344.
Best Regards,
Sam
Good morning. The list of classes for this Getting to Know Your Camera workshop is o lu listed thru Oct. 5, which as passed. Are there other dates scheduled?
Hello Traci.
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes. I’ve fallen behind on scheduling. I’m planning to have more classes up by the end of next week.
Sam
Checking in. Is the “Getting to Know” class going to be offered again soon?
Thank you for your patience, Traci.
I’ve just added dates in November and December for the Getting To Know Your Camera class.
Here’s the link—>https://samdamico.com/know-camera-photo-class/
Is a Cannon t3i advanced enough for this class? Saving up for a new Dslr but currently only have this to use.
Hi Emma,
The Cannon t3i ( https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos600d/2) is more than advanced enough for this class.
Please contact me at 202-531-2344 if you have more questions.
Sam
Hello,
Does this class only cover digital or can I bring my film camera? It is a Pentax ME Super and I have the manual.
-Anna
Hi Anna,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
Your camera would be fine for this class.
Sam
Hi Sam! I am looking forward to your class today, July 12th at 1:30pm.
Thank you for taking the class, Laura. I enjoyed working with you.
Hi Sam ,
I don’t have a camera manuel for my nikon d40, is that okay?
thanks!
Hi Jessie,
It’s ok, but it would be much better if you had the “full version” manual.
If you have the CD that came with the camera, the manual is on there.
If you don’t have the CD you can usually download A PDF version of the manual from the manufactures website.
Here’s the manual for the D-40.
http://www.nikonusa.com/pdf/manuals/kie88335f7869dfuejdl=-cww2/D40_en.pdf
Hello Sam
I would like to take the Getting to know your camera class. Where will the classes be held?
Thanks
Vannesa Guzman
Hi Vannesa,
Thank you for you interest in my photography classes.
The Getting To Know Your Camera class is held at 920 U Street NW in Washington DC.
You can learn more about the meeting location here.
Best Regards,
Sam
I would come with my daughter if ok (2 fees)
We have a canon 5D camera. Do you have others with the same camera?
Hi Dominic,
Taking the class with your daughter would be OK. Just make sure that you indicate that there will be two of you during the registration process so you are charged (and spaces are held) for each person.
While I don’t know if there will be anyone else with a Canon 5D, your camera is more than sufficient for the class.
Do you have a course listing for September?
Hi Kati,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
I’ve just finished scheduling two Getting To Know Your Camera classes for September.
You can see the updated schedule here.